How to Get CuO From Cu2O

Cu2O is the chemical formula that represents copper(I) oxide or cuprous oxide. This is a red compound commonly used as a semiconductor in industry. CuO is the formula of another oxide referred to as copper(II) oxide. Converting cuprous oxide is a simple reaction of oxidation that follows the chemical equation: 2Cu2O + O2 = 4CuO. This reaction is a common laboratory assignment in chemistry classes.

Things You'll Need

• Scale
• Crucible
• Laboratory oven

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Weigh about 5 grams of cuprous oxide Cu2O on the scale.

   • 2

     Put the compound in a crucible.

   • 3

     Set the laboratory oven to 350 degrees Celsius.

   • 4

     Place the crucible with the cuprous oxide into the oven.

   • 5

     Turn the oven off after 3 hours.

   • 6

     Wait until the crucible cools down to the room temperature and then take it from the oven; Cu2O converts to the copper oxide CuO due to the oxidation.